The ESG Malaysia Summit 2025, scheduled for 12 November at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, aims to position Malaysia at the forefront of ASEAN’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transformation. The event will coincide with SEA 2025, running from 12 to 14 November, and seeks to foster collaboration between governments, industries, and innovators to accelerate sustainable growth in the region.

Themed “Sustainability in Motion: From Commitment to Action,” the summit will serve as a premier platform for ESG leadership. It will bring together policymakers, corporate executives, investors, financial institutions, and technology innovators to translate ESG intentions into measurable outcomes. Steven Lee, President of ESG Malaysia, stated, “The Summit reflects Malaysia’s growing influence in ESG transformation. Our mission is to strengthen the country’s role as a regional anchor for sustainable growth.”

The one-day event will feature over 150 industry leaders and sustainability experts, with five strategic sessions designed to drive cross-sector collaboration and regional ESG alignment. Key topics include Malaysia’s sustainability roadmap, carbon markets, climate financing, circular economy, renewable energy, and the role of AI, blockchain, and IoT in ESG transformation.

Supported by partners such as SME Corporation, EUROCHAM Malaysia, and the Malaysia Steel Institute, the summit is 100% HRD Corp Claimable. Attendees will receive a free one-year ESG Malaysia membership and CPD accreditation from GreenRE and the Green Building Index. The summit underscores Malaysia’s commitment to building an integrated and sustainable ESG economy.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Asia School of Business (ASB), and the National Association of Smallholders (NASH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Malaysia’s smallholders. This collaboration focuses on training, digital readiness, and sustainable financing to strengthen the resilience of smallholders in the face of ageing plantations and evolving global trade expectations.

Malaysia’s smallholder sector is at a critical juncture, with over half of the smallholder-owned oil palms exceeding 25 years of age and an ageing farmer population. These factors, coupled with new global trade regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation, are increasing the pressure on productivity and sustainability standards.

The partnership aims to provide smallholders with the tools needed to navigate these challenges and meet both RSPO and national certification standards. These certifications are crucial for maintaining Malaysia’s reputation in sustainable palm oil production on the global stage.

Guntur Cahyo Prabowo of RSPO, Dr. Melati Nungsari of ASB, and Adzmi bin Hassan of NASH were present at the MoU signing. They emphasised the importance of this initiative in bridging the gap between compliance and competitiveness for smallholders. The collaboration is expected to create practical pathways for smallholders to enhance their operations and align with international sustainability benchmarks.

This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering smallholders and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s palm oil industry. The focus on training and digital tools aims to equip farmers with the skills necessary to adapt to changing market demands and environmental standards.

Ascend Airways Malaysia, part of the global ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP), paving the way for the airline to begin operations this November. The Kuala Lumpur-based airline will initially operate with a Boeing 737-800SF, offering both passenger and cargo services across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

The airline’s journey began with the granting of a Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) in 2024. Since then, Ascend Airways Malaysia has worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to secure its AOC. Passenger flights are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, subject to further regulatory approvals, alongside fleet expansion.

Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia, highlighted the strategic importance of Malaysia as a logistics and aviation hub connecting Southeast Asia, China, and India. He expressed gratitude for the support from local authorities, stating, “This cooperation is helping the aviation industry in Malaysia to develop and realise its full potential.”

The airline aims to leverage the ACMI model to optimise revenue and scale operations efficiently. Avia Solutions Group, with a fleet of 187 aircraft, operates globally, allowing it to adapt to seasonal demand shifts. The group’s CEO noted, “We aspire to be the leaders in the ACMI space in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, praised Ascend Airways Malaysia for its diligence in meeting Malaysia’s civil aviation safety and regulatory requirements, ensuring a smooth licensing process.

Motul, a leader in high-performance lubricants, has launched the GP Next 4T, the latest addition to its GP Series, at the 2025 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. This new product blends championship-proven technology with everyday practicality and sustainability, aligning with MotoGP’s shift towards eco-friendly practices.

The GP Next 4T is designed to meet the needs of diverse riders, from daily commuters to weekend thrill-seekers, offering superior engine protection and smoother gear shifts. It features an enhanced ester technology blend, eco-responsible packaging, and meets international standards for engine protection and emissions compatibility.

Keith Schulz, Chief Sustainability Officer of Motul Asia Pacific, stated, “The launch of GP Next 4T reflects Motul’s continuous commitment to performance and responsibility.” Carlo Savoca, Chief Marketing Officer, added, “The new GP Next 4T is a statement of Motul’s commitment to innovation at the highest level of motorsport.”

The GP Next 4T will be available across Asia Pacific from October 2025, offering riders a product that combines the thrill of MotoGP with sustainable innovation. Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports, praised Motul’s role in MotoGP, noting their commitment to creating better performing and sustainable products.

CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (CGS MY) hosted its third annual ESG and Sustainability Conference in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on Malaysia’s transition to a net zero economy by 2050. The event, themed “Malaysia’s Next Step”, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts. Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Malaysia, Akmal Nasrullah, emphasised the urgency of shifting to a low-carbon economy, citing the recent power blackout in Klang Valley and Johor as a wake-up call.

The conference also marked the launch of a Thematic Report on Nuclear for Malaysia’s Energy Transition, developed by CGS International and UK-based Panmure Liberum. The report suggests that introducing a 10% nuclear share in Malaysia’s energy mix could significantly reduce carbon emissions. Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability at CGS International, stated, “Our nuclear report with Panmure Liberum aims to spark informed dialogue on Malaysia’s next frontier in energy sustainability.”

The report outlines three scenarios for Malaysia’s energy future, highlighting the potential of Small Modular Reactors to provide stable, low-carbon power. It estimates that expanding nuclear power to 10% of the energy mix could require an investment of up to $300 billion. However, clear policy guidance is needed to unlock green financing channels.

The conference featured discussions on power sustainability, labour reforms, and cybersecurity risks, underscoring CGS MY’s commitment to promoting ESG integration and sustainable investment practices in Malaysia.

BlackBerry and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) have announced a strategic partnership to nurture Malaysia’s next generation of cyber-defenders and embedded software engineers. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed on 4 November 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This partnership aims to enhance Malaysia’s digital talent, industry competitiveness, and regional cyber resilience.

The partnership, witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, Dato Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, underscores the strengthening ties between Canada and Malaysia. The initiative will provide UKM students and faculty with access to a tiered development programme, focusing on talent research and ethical cyber education.

The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, aiming to advance academic excellence, workforce readiness, and research leadership. It includes industry-relevant cybersecurity and software development training, internships, research grants, and globally recognised certifications for UKM students and faculty. BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo emphasised the importance of developing a digitally skilled workforce for national security and sustainable economic growth.

Additionally, UKM announced a new initiative, the Trustworthy Professionals programme, in collaboration with BlackBerry and Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency. This pilot project will provide cybersecurity training and hands-on experience for up to 50 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing on integrity, ethics, and trust.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting education, research, and innovation in areas crucial to Malaysia’s digital and economic future. By combining UKM’s academic excellence with BlackBerry’s global expertise, the collaboration aims to nurture a new generation of technology leaders equipped with advanced technical knowledge and ethical values.

TMC Life Sciences Berhad (TMCLS) is set for growth in FY2026, following a resilient FY2025, driven by strategic partnerships and a focus on value-based care. At the company’s 23rd Annual General Meeting, Chairman Mohd Mokhtar bin Mohd Shariff highlighted TMCLS’s stable revenue of $73.5m (RM345.5m), a slight 0.3% decrease from FY2024, despite challenges from private insurers and corporate payors.

The group’s strategy includes enhancing community-centric services, clinical excellence, and medical tourism. A proposed single-tier final dividend of 0.1863 sen per share underscores TMCLS’s commitment to shareholder value. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (THKD) has partnered with OncoCare Medical Malaysia, creating a state-of-the-art cancer care facility, whilst Thomson Fertility has launched EndoCare-Thomson, focusing on endometriosis care.

Additionally, Thomson Fertility achieved Malaysia’s first live birth using the Optimal Receptivity Assay and Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine. Looking forward, TMCLS plans to expand with the construction of Thomson Hospital Iskandariah in Johor, set to begin in H1 2026, to meet the region’s growing healthcare demands.

Group CEO Adzuan Rahman stated, “Our expansion into Johor with Thomson Hospital Iskandariah represents more than physical growth; it reflects our vision to deliver world-class value-based care closer to communities.” TMCLS aims to strengthen its position as a leading healthcare provider through strategic partnerships and clinical excellence.

AWC Berhad, a leading engineering services group, has secured a RM99.1m contract through its subsidiary, Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd, to provide Integrated Facilities Management services for TM Technology Services’ data centres and buildings in TM Central 1. The contract, awarded by Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s subsidiary, will span five years starting 1 November 2025.

This contract marks AWC’s third major win in the financial year 2026, contributing to a total of RM194m in contracts announced this year. Group CEO Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor highlighted the significance of this project as AWC’s first foray into managing mission-critical, technology-driven infrastructure. “This win is a testament to our proven track record and strong expertise,” he stated.

The contract is expected to provide clear earnings visibility and bolster AWC’s recurring revenue base, which constituted 45% of its revenue in FY25. As of June 2025, AWC’s order book stood at RM597m, excluding the new contracts announced in FY26. The company remains optimistic about future opportunities, actively pursuing additional tenders.

AWC’s involvement in this project aligns with its strategy to engage in higher-value, performance-based contracts within Malaysia’s expanding digital infrastructure ecosystem. This strategic move positions AWC at the forefront of supporting data centres, telecommunications, and advanced technology assets.

Sunway Property, Malaysia’s Master Community Developer, has announced that its Singapore operations will now operate under the name Sunway MCL. This rebranding follows Sunway Group’s acquisition of MCL Land for S$738.7m, marking a significant expansion in the company’s regional property portfolio.

The merger of Sunway’s five decades of expertise with MCL Land’s six-decade legacy in Singapore aims to create a robust platform for delivering premium and sustainable developments. Datin Paduka Sarena Cheah, Executive Deputy Chair of Sunway Group, stated, “The establishment of Sunway MCL marks an important milestone in Sunway’s growth journey.”

Sunway MCL is now positioned as one of Singapore’s leading residential developers, with nine ongoing projects valued at approximately S$4.5b. The projects, including ELTA, Nava Grove, and Tembusu Grand, will continue under the Sunway MCL brand, reinforcing its presence in the city-state’s residential market.

Under the leadership of Managing Director Chung Soo Kiong and CEO Lee Tong Voon, Sunway MCL will focus on creating homes that embody “timeless elegance and enduring warmth.” The acquisition also includes MCL Land’s Malaysian assets, further strengthening Sunway Property’s regional footprint.

This strategic move aligns with Sunway Property’s long-term vision of building connected communities across Malaysia and Singapore, supported by Sunway’s integrated ecosystem in property, construction, healthcare, education, and hospitality.

Aquawalk Group Berhad, renowned for its world-class aquaria including Aquaria KLCC, has launched its prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, scheduled for 19 November 2025. The IPO seeks to raise up to $24.2 (RM114.3m), marking a significant step in the company’s growth as it transitions to a public entity.

The group, established in 2005, operates aquariums globally, including Aquaria Phuket and a 40% stake in Jakarta Aquarium & Safari. The IPO involves a public issue of 368.6 million new shares and an offer for sale of 368.6 million existing shares, representing 40% of the enlarged share capital. At 31 sen per share, the company is expected to achieve a market capitalisation of $121.1m (RM571.3m).

Funds raised will be allocated to capital expenditures for upgrading and developing attractions, IT improvements, and working capital. This aligns with Aquawalk’s vision of becoming a leading centre for ocean education and conservation. Executive Chairman, Simon Foong, stated, “Aquawalk is set to be the region’s first oceanarium to go public, with vast opportunities to expand our portfolio further in other markets within Asia Pacific.”

The public issue application is open until 7 November 2025. M & A Securities Sdn Bhd and CGS International Securities Malaysia are managing the IPO process.